Though Autism Spectrum Disorder affects one in nearly 68, most resources and sources of information seem to be geared towards children with autism and their immediate family members and caregivers. As these children age, there become more and more adults living with autism and in need of guidance for various parts of their lives.
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Below are 50 great resources for adults with autism. For your convenience, we’ve categorized each resource into one of nine categories:
- Apps
- Articles
- Blogs
- Books
- Job Training & Employment
- Podcasts
- Support Groups
- Travel & Social
- Websites
While some of the resources below are meant specifically for adults with autism, others are general resources that may be especially helpful for those on the Spectrum.
Related: Best Jobs for People With Autism
Apps
iPrompts
Those who need a little reminding when it comes to following a schedule will surely benefit from iPrompts. This helpful app uses pictures to prompt the user to begin a scheduled activity. A visual count-down timer keeps the user on task.
Money Trainer for Kids and Adults with Autism
With the Money Trainer app, adults on the Autism Spectrum can practice various modules in using an ATM, depositing cash and checks, making a purchase with a debit card, making a purchase with cash, and paying bills. The app helps one to understand basic finances, and allows confidence when handling one’s own money.
Speakprose
Speakprose is an easy text-based AAC app which allows non-verbal adults with autism to communicate feelings, needs, and wants. Users can customize Speakprose to their individual needs, and even choose the pitch, timbre, and speed of the voice used to “speak.”
Proloquo2Go
Proloquo2Go is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) app that uses symbols to help adults with autism communication. It is quickly customizable, and can be used for English, Spanish, French, and Dutch speakers of different accents and dialects.
Articles
“Aging Out: When Kids With Autism Grow Up”
Beth Arky of Child Mind wrote this article. “Aging Out” provides families and parents of adults with autism with a very realistic look at the challenges faced by those on the Spectrum as they grow up.
“A Lost Generation: Growing Up with Autism Before the ‘Epidemic’”
This article by Marina Sarris is a fascinating look at the way people on the Autism Spectrum were perceived before there was a Spectrum. Readers may find they relate to much of what Ms. Sarris describes.
“Top 10 Facts About Adult Autism”
Verywell Health’s article “Top 10 Facts About Adult Autism” is a great place to start for those needing to know the basics about the topic. Throughout the article are additional helpful links.
“Transition of Individuals With Autism to Adulthood: A Review of Qualitative Studies”
This academic article originally published in the journal Pediatrics acknowledges the poor transition outcomes experienced by many young adults on the Autism Spectrum. The article discusses the many interesting findings of qualitative research. It ultimately argues for various supports which should be a part of a young adult’s social and physical environment.
“Understanding Autism in Women”
If information about adults with autism is hard to come by, then finding information about adult women with autism is nearly impossible. This article, published on Healthline, outlines the general symptoms exclusive to women, the test, common treatment, and support options for adult women who either know, or suspect, that they are on the Autism Spectrum.
Blogs
AANE Blog
The Asperger/Autism Network blog discusses the Autism Spectrum from the perspective of AANE staff, volunteers, adults, teens, siblings, professionals, and others. Blog posts cover a variety of topics relating to living on the Spectrum. Recent blog posts include “Finding the Right Therapist,” “The Therapeutic Value of Writing,” and “Summer Plans to Combat Anxiety.”
Autism Speaks Blog
Autism Speaks is a leading resource for autism. The organization’s blog is well organized, and chock full of stories both personal and informative. Recent blog posts about adults with autism include “The Joy and Challenges of Being a Father with Autism” and “I just Graduated with My Doctorate and I Have Autism.”
Life With Asperger’s
“Life With Asperger’s” is a unique blog written by a man who has Asperger’s Syndrome and who is also the father of two children with Asperger’s.
Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism
Adults on the Autism Spectrum who are interested in keeping up with the latest scientific developments can follow along on the Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism. Autism parents, those on the Spectrum themselves, and autism professionals are all frequent contributors.
Trailblazing Autism
Written by a 26-year old woman with autism, Trailblazing Autism offers inspiration in the form of this woman’s views, experiences, and many accomplishments.
Books
The ASD Independence Workbook: Transition Skills for Teens and Young Adults with Autism
Francis Tabone, Ph.D
This easy-to-follow workbook aims to help teens and young adults on the Autism Spectrum work through the skills needed for daily life.
Asperger’s and Adulthood: A Guide to Working, Loving, and Living with Asperger’s Syndrome
Blythe Grossberg, Psy.D.
Author and medical professional Blythe Grossberg draws on nearly two decades of experience for this book which Amazon describes as the “definitive guide for adults living with Asperger’s Syndrome.” Topics covered include living on one’s own, succeeding at work, dating, and more.
Autism Spectrum Disorders in Adolescents and Adults: Evidence-Based and Promising Interventions
Matt Tincani and Andy Bondy (Editors)
This helpful text is a collection of effective practices written by leading experts of Autism Spectrum in adults. Topics covered include succeeding in higher education and work, personal relationships, and living independently, to name a few.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Valerie L. Gaus
This book by Valerie L. Gaus is considered to be one of the leading resources for psychotherapists who work with autistic adults. The text covers everything from building social and coping skills to treating comorbid depression, and everything in between.
Living in a Bubble: A Guide to Being Diagnosed with High Functioning Asperger’s as an Adult
Anthony King
Living in a Bubble is an essential read for anyone who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as an adult, or who suspects they could be diagnosed. Honest and well researched, this valuable guide discusses everything from asking for help to what to expect post-diagnosis.
Living Independently on the Autism Spectrum
Lynne Soraya
Called an “essential resource for people with autism,” Living Independently on the Autism Spectrum by Lynne Soraya offers readers valuable tools for living a safe, self-sufficient, creative, and happy life.
Living Well on the Spectrum: How to Use Your Strengths to Meet the Challenges of Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism
Valerie L. Gaus, Ph.D.
In Living Well on the Spectrum, Valerie L. Gaus, Ph.D. helps adults with autism understand the different ways in which their brain works. She offers a ton of advice on how to tap into one’s personal strengths in order to succeed in a “neurotypical” world.
Marriage and Lasting Relationships with Asperger’s Syndrome
Eva A. Mendes
Author Eva A. Mendes, an expert in ASD relationships, provides readers with various counseling strategies and advice meant to help overcome the challenges of dating or marriage when one or both partners are on the Autism Spectrum.
Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults: Improving Diagnosis and Quality of Life
Theresa Regan, Ph.D
Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults is a unique resource which aims to improve diagnosis of autism in the adult population. The book includes clinical examples, strategy-based intervention, and information on the latest research.
Job Training & Employment
Autism Employment Network on LinkedIn
Hosted by Autism Speaks, this LinkedIn group is a valuable resource for employers, employment service providers, and individuals with autism to discuss and connect.
Autism Speaks Employment Tool Kit
The Autism Speaks Employment Tool Kit was designed to assist adults on the Autism Spectrum with researching, finding, and keeping a job. Topics included in this helpful tool kit include, among other topics
- self-advocacy,
- employment rights
- resumes and cover letters
- the interview.
Getting Hired
Getting Hired is an online jobs portal which exists to connect companies and businesses with individuals and veterans with disabilities.
Integrate Autism Employment Advisors
Integrate Autism Employment Advisors work to help companies and other organizations recruit and retain qualified professionals who are on the Autism Spectrum. For employees with autism, there is also a directory of current job listings.
The Spectrum Careers
The Spectrum Careers is a large jobs portal for people on the Autism Spectrum. Accessing the listings is free. There are even tools to help match job seekers with businesses and local employment service providers.
Podcasts
1800 Seconds on Autism
Hosted by Robyn Steward and Jamie Knight, the always entertaining 1800 Seconds on Autism takes a more humorous approach to discussion about autism. Each episode covers a topic about autism and thinking differently using humor, enlightenment, and fun guests.
All Autism Talk
The podcast All Autism Talk aims to connect “the Autism Community one podcast at a time.” Each episode is a casual conversation between inspiring members of the autism world.
The Autism Podcast
Called “the definitive autism-related podcast,” The Autism Podcast is delivered by the London Autism Group Charity. Episodes focus on reducing autism stigma and improving understanding of the Autism Spectrum for the general public and for those affected.
Autism Quality of Life
This interview-based podcast aimed at “problem solvers & action takers” of the autism community focuses on current resources, programs, and services for teens and adults on the Autism Spectrum. Highlighted in each episode are those making a positive difference.
The Autism Helper Podcast
Each episode of The Autism Helper Podcast explores a different strategy for improving the lives of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Support Groups
Autism Forums: Asperger’s & Autism Community
Adults with autism who want to connect with others on the spectrum can join the discussions over at Autism Forums. Upon registration, participants can take part in discussion threads, join chat rooms, or even start their own blog right on the site.
Autism Support Network
Though not limited to adults on the spectrum, Autism Support Network is a great resource for connecting with others. As a member (joining is free), one can learn about what is working for others, discover coping strategies, and be inspired by others.
Meetup: High-Functioning Autism
Meetup is a massive social networking website where groups of all kinds can find others with they spend time and connect with. A network of people with high-functioning autism can be found all over the world, and members can find each other via Meetup to organize days out and other get togethers.
National Autism Association Support Group Directory
If you’re looking for a support group — live in your area or online — then check out the directory of NAA Chapter support groups on the website of the National Autism Association.
National Autistic Society Community
UK-based National Autistic Society offers those with autism and their families a safe place to discuss anything and everything through their online discussion forum. Contributors may share thoughts, experiences, questions, and just about anything else that comes to mind.
Wrong Planet
Wrong Planet is an internet-based community of people on the Autism Spectrum, their families, and medical professionals. The community provides support through a blog, discussion forum, and chat rooms.
Travel
ASD Vacations
ASD Vacations are special needs vacation planners specializing in organizing just the right trip for adults on the Autism Spectrum. They create an Individual Vacation Plan based on a free consultation, the autistic person’s individuals needs and wants, and the vacation desires of the whole group. Impressively, ASD Vacations will speak directly with the resort managers, food and beverage managers, and others to ensure all needs are accommodated.
Autism on the Seas
Autism on the Seas is a partner program of Royal Caribbean International. They develop cruise vacations for individuals on the Autism Spectrum (and with other special needs) and their families.
Autism Travel
Autism Travel is a one-stop-shop for families and individuals with autism who want to travel. The website provides travelers with a comprehensive list of destinations internationally recognized as Certified Autism Centers. It provides various tools for traveling as easily and as comfortably as possible and even a team of Certified Autism Travel Professionals who can offer support and travel planning assistance.
Frontier Travel Camp
Founded in 1997, Frontier Travel Camp is a Luxury Special Needs Tours operator which caters to those on the Autism Spectrum. The company organizes group trips to a variety of places including Alaska, Israel, Hawaii, Bermuda, and more.
Websites
Association of University Centers on Disabilities
AUCD is a network of organizations advancing policy for individuals on the Autism Spectrum and with other developmental disabilities. It works through government entities and national organizations to improve the lives of individuals and their families.
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
ASAN is a large non-profit organization which is actually run by individuals on the Autism Spectrum. It provides services, offers support, and works to educate the masses in an attempt to improve public perceptions of autism.
Autism Society of America
Autism Society of America provides visitors to its website with myriad sources of information, including, among other things:
- legal resources
- a guide to future planning
- treatment options
There is also a database of resources for various locations and communities.
Autism Speaks
As perhaps the most famous autism-related organization, Autism Speaks is a valuable resource for people on the Autism Spectrum and their family members. Resources on the website include, among other things:
- articles
- a directory of support groups and medical professionals
- a blog.
AutismNOW
AutismNOW is a vital resource for the latest news, research, and other information relating to the Autism Spectrum.
Easter Seals
Easter Seals offers a wide variety of services and support for adults on the Autism Spectrum, including tips on:
- making friends
- moving away from home
- finding a job.
The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP)
GRASP is an international non-profit which provides education, programs and overall support for anyone on the Autism Spectrum and their family.
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